If there’s one thing Southerners know how to do well, it’s how to share a meal. With our helpful tips and delicious recipes, gifting casseroles has never been so easy.
Gifting Guidelines
Casseroles are great ways to gift someone a meal while also giving them flexibility to use it when they need it most. Follow the Gift this Casserole tips with each recipe for guidelines for freezing or chilling casseroles before gifting. Below are a few simple ways to package casseroles and ensure your grateful recipients enjoy a hot, delicious meal.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT DISH
If you’re making a casserole as a housewarming gift, buy a pretty casserole dish and let the recipient keep it to use in their new home. For easy and affordable gifting, a disposable aluminum pan works great and can easily be found in most grocery stores.
WRAP IT
While we would be happy receiving a homemade casserole simply wrapped in plastic wrap, it’s fun and festive to jazz it up by tying a ribbon or twine around the pan. For more formal wrapping, slip it into a plastic gift bag and tie it with a bow; or wrap it in foil, tie it with a ribbon, and tuck fresh herbs into the knot.
INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS
Don’t forget to include instructions for reheating the casserole. (These can be found in the guidelines and recipe.) This can be a simple handwritten note on an index card or a nice greeting card along with a note of sympathy or congratulations. You can also write out the full recipe on a recipe card so they can make the casserole themselves in the future or pay the gift forward to a loved one.
Sweet Potato Enchilada Casserole
Satisfy all your Tex-Mex cravings with this hearty, flavorful casserole.
GIFT THIS CASSEROLE
Prepare casserole in a freezer-safe dish through step 5; let cool. Wrap tightly in a double layer of foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. To reheat, refrigerate until thawed, 1 to 2 days. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake as directed in step 6 until heated through and an instant read thermometer inserted in center registers 165°.
BBQ Baked Bean Casserole
Inspired by our love of country baked beans, this main dish casserole is a little sweet, a little spicy, and completely delicious.
GIFT THIS CASSEROLE
Prepare casserole in a freezer-safe dish through step 3; let cool. Wrap tightly in a double layer of foil, and freeze. Stir together cornbread and melted butter; place in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag, and freeze separately. To reheat, refrigerate casserole and cornbread mixture until thawed, 1 to 2 days. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake as directed in steps 4 and 5 until heated through and an instant read thermometer inserted in center registers 165°, loosely covering with foil, if necessary.
Chicken Tetrazzini
Grab a rotisserie chicken to get a head start on this updated dish.
GIFT THIS CASSEROLE
Prepare casserole through step 4. Let cool to room temperature. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bake as directed in step 5, until heated through and an instant read thermometer inserted in center registers 165°.
Chicken Poppy Seed and Rice Casserole
GIFT THIS CASSEROLE
Prepare casserole through step 4. Let cool to room temperature. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bake as directed in step 5, until heated through and an instant read thermometer inserted in center registers 165°.
Southern Lasagna
Stashing away a tray (or three) of this flavor-packed lasagna makes weeknight meals effortless.
GIFT THIS CASSEROLE
Prepare casserole in a freezer-safe dish through step 4; let cool. Wrap tightly in a double layer of foil, and freeze. To reheat, refrigerate until thawed, 1 to 2 days. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake, covered, as directed in step 5 until heated through and an instant read thermometer inserted in center registers 165°.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
GIFT THIS CASSEROLE
Bake casserole in a freezer-safe dish; let cool. Do not garnish. Wrap tightly in a double layer of foil, and freeze. To reheat, refrigerate until thawed, 1 to 2 days. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake, covered, at 350° until heated through and an instant read thermometer inserted in center registers 165°.
